clarks desert mali question

Hey for the malis a full size down or half a size down, also beeswax or brown? does it matter. I usually wear 8.5 in my nike free run 5s with think ankle socks,and in my Timberlands I am a size 9 with thick cotton socks, which is what I intend to wear with the malis.

I asked about the sizing for these a few times in the Clarks thread, didn't get any responses. FWIW I went a full size down since that seems to be the standard advice for Clarks, I can let you know how they fit once they arrive.

Just got mine in the mail. I'd definitely size down at least a full size; I'm normally a 10.5 and went with 9.5, which feels pretty good but is still a little roomy. I'm trying to decide if I'd be better off exchanging them for 9s. Hope that helps!